Toyota will be recalling some 2010 Tundras equipped with 4WD for issues with a weld where the propeller shaft and yoke meet.

Now, there is a reason why I said “some” rather than specify a number. It’s because the NHTSA recall notice claims that there are two affected vehicles. However, that sounds like it’s wrong and it’s just a typo, so I decided not to specify any numbers. Anyhow, the issue is that there is an improper weld where the propeller shaft and yoke meet, which can result in the shaft separating. This can result in the driver losing control of the car and crashing.

To remedy this, dealers will replace the shaft for free. The recall begins sometime this month. If you own a 4WD Tundra, contact your dealer to see if it’s affected. If the NHTSA notice is to be believed though, chances are yours isn’t.

Press Release:

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
TOYOTA / TUNDRA 2010

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Mfr’s Report Date: MAR 09, 2010
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10V091000

NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

Potential Number of Units Affected: 2

Summary:
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 TUNDRA VEHICLES WITH FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT AN IMPROPER WELD EXISTS AT THE UNION OF THE PROPELLER SHAFT AND YOKE. DUE TO THIS IMPROPER WELD, THIS JOINT MAY SEPARATE AND THE SEPARATED SHAFT MAY COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE ROAD SURFACE.

Consequence:
THIS MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT PROPELLER SHAFT FREE OR CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Notes:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

Source: NHTSA